Consider this: Historic disaster in Japan

The earthquake that devastated Haiti last year was a magnitude 7.0 The earthquake that rocked San Francisco in 1906 was estimated at a maximum 7.9 So the 9.0 earthquake that jarred northeastern Japan Friday and unleashed destructive tsunami waves will take its place as a natural disaster of historic proportions.

Only four earthquakes as large or larger have ever been recorded by the U.S. Geological Survey — a 9.5 temblor in Chile in 1960; a 9.2 in Prince William Sound, Alaska, in 1964; a 9.1 off Northern Sumatra, Indonesia in 2004, and a 9.0 in Kamchatka in 1953. The Indonesian quake and subsequent tsunami cut a broad swath, claiming as many as 230,000 lives in 14 surrounding nations. The others, undersea quakes or in relatively remote areas, did not exact high human tolls.

Video images of the Japanese quake were followed by shocking footage of waves striking land and sending cascades of oily water to overwhelm virtually everything in its path. The death toll Wednesday had passed 4,300, but many more are sure to have perished in this terrifying calamity.

Few nations could absorb such a blow with the fortitude and poise exhibited so far by the Japanese. There is fear and deep grief over the loss of loved ones and precious property. But virtually no hysteria or looting or profiteering has been reported. There is a sense of mutuality and shared destiny, as well as serenity in the face of challenge that the Japanese call shikata ga nai — it can’t be helped; also, gaman — patience and perseverance, traits some link to Japan’s Buddhist traditions.

A disaster-within-a-disaster continues to unfold at the sprawling Fukushima Dai-Ichi nuclear power complex 135 miles northeast of Tokyo that was hard-hit by the earthquake and tsunami. Following multiple explosions, technicians were still struggling Wednesday to ease the frightening prospect of multiple reactor core meltdowns. Whatever the outcome, the events will have a major impact on nuclear power developments worldwide.

Still committed to nukes

“The American people should have full confidence that the United States has rigorous safety regulations in place to ensure that our nuclear power is generated safely and responsibly. Information is still coming in about the events unfolding in Japan, but the Administration is committed to learning from Japan’s experience as we work to continue to strengthen America’s nuclear industry.”